Over 2,500 ducks, cash prizes, and a whole lot of fun at Strathalbyn’s Great Duck Race
Did you know that Strathalbyn’s Great Duck Race holds a special claim to fame as the very first duck race in the world?
That’s ducking amazing!
First held in 1989, this one-of-a-kind event has grown into a crowd favourite, drawing over 1,000 duck-loving people each year. And once again, thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks will take to the water, bobbing their way down the Angus River on Sunday, December 1, for another day of fun in the Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens.
Simply buying a raffle ticket in the Raine & Horne Great Duck Race gets you in on the action! Every ticket puts a duck in the race, complete with a matching number for a chance to win big. With over 2,500 ducks floating downstream in the main event, it’s a sight to be seen – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The first duck to cross the finish line will earn its lucky ticket holder a $1,000 cash prize, with prizes also up for grabs for second, third, and the fastest ducks in the three heats leading up to the big finale.
Strathalbyn’s local businesses get in on the fun too, with over 85 “big ducks” racing for the title of fastest in the Corporate Duck Race. Putting their reputations on the line, they’re battling it out for speed and style in the Best Dressed Duck competition. If you’ve never seen a rubber duck dressed to impress, you’re in for a treat.
But the Great Duck Race isn’t just about the ducks – it’s a whole day of fun for everyone. The annual Christmas Market held by the local CWA will fill the gardens with over 40 stalls offering handmade treasures, baked goods, plants, and plenty of unique gifts to tick off your shopping list. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, food stalls run by local groups like the Lions Club and Scouts will be serving up delicious treats, plus there’ll be flavoursome food trucks, ice creams, and coffee vans all backed by the tunes of the Strathalbyn Town Band.
If you’re up for a bit of extra fun, jump on the Steam Ranger from Mount Barker and ride straight to the action. The train leaves at 9:30am and gets you there just in time for all the duck-filled excitement at 10:30am. Your ticket even includes a duck in the race. After a day of quacking good times, the train heads back at 3:00pm, getting you back to Mt Barker by 4:00pm. Easy, fun, and perfect for the whole family!
This free event is all about community, with proceeds from the raffle tickets supporting local projects supported through the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn.
Tickets get snapped up quickly, so if you want to wing it in the world of duck racing, click here to find out more and secure your ticket.
The Great Strathalbyn Duck Race
When: Sunday December 1, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens
More info here
